Nickelodeon GUTS

GUTS was without a doubt one of the most popular shows on Nickelodeon during the "first generation era" (1979-99). I love that show. In fact, in my opinion, this show beats out Double Dare and Legends of the Hidden Temple. The host, Mike O'Malley, was energetic and laid back in the first season, but he calmed down in the remaining seasons (but still energetic). Referee Moira Quirk was energetic and funny and had personality in the first three seasons. She would joke a lot during that time. The chemistry between Mike and Moira would be so inseparable that in the third season, that there would be a halftime show where they would recap the highlights from the first half. The games were fun to watch. I loved Moon Race (although it aired 3 episodes in the first season) and Slam Dunk.

However, things went downhill with Global GUTS. It was okay and there's nothing wrong with the global competition, but the show lost a whole lot of spark. Mike O'Malley took his commentary way too seriously (as if he was on ESPN). He acts like he want the kids to win. As a matter of fact, he acts like a high school football (or basketball) coach. Moira would joke less often and her personality went out the window. The show was tweaked up too much. I guess that Nickelodeon wants to get serious with the show's direction. I clearly think that if GUTS didn't have global competition, then the show could have stayed on for one more year.

Grades: GUTS A+ Global GUTS B-